| Trip code | |
| Package name | Phoksundo Lake Trek |
| Duration | 11 |
| Max. elevation | 3611 m |
| Level | moderate |
| Transportation | |
| Accomodation | |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 160 per person |
Popular trekking path Phoksundo Trek is situated in Nepal’s Dolpo area. The walk bears the name of the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal known for its glistening turquoise water. Trekking across steep terrain, deep canyons, and quaint villages rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas.
The walk typically takes 10–14 days to finish and travels 85 km in total. The journey begins in the town of Juphal and proceeds along the Bheri River path. You will pass through a number of traditional villages along the route, including Dunai, Tarakot, and Ringmo, where you may get a taste of the distinctive way of life of the locals.
The trip to Phoksundo Lake, which is situated in the Shey Phoksundo National Park, is the highlight of the hike. Many species of wildlife can be found in the park, including as the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and the critically endangered snow leopard. The pine, cedar, and birch trees and the snow-capped peaks surrounding it encircle the lake.
When we arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from Kantipur Holidays will greet us and take us to the hotel of our choice. We may visit the Kantipur Holidays office or take a nap after checking in. In the evening, there will be a welcome supper in a traditional Nepalese restaurant, complete with real Nepali cuisine and a brief cultural performance.
We start a guided tour of some of Kathmandu’s most respected historical and spiritual landmarks—many of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites—after breakfast today. We visit the famous “Monkey Temple,” Swayambhunath, the Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupatinath, the Buddhist shrine Bouddhanath, which is also one of the largest stupas in the world, and the ancient Durbar Square in Kathmandu. At noon, we meet up with the other participants and discuss our trip plans at the Kantipur Holidays office, after our hiking guide checks our equipment.
Our flight to Nepalgunj is scheduled to depart early in the morning from the domestic terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport. Situated in western Nepal, Nepalgunj is a large city. In the western areas of Nepal, it serves as the beginning point for excursions and other activities like hiking. We go to Nepalgunj, where we settle into our accommodation and are free to explore the local markets, little zoo, and city.
We fly to Jhupal early in the morning, which takes about 45 minutes and provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the air. Jhupal is a little airport in Nepal’s Dolpa district that acts as the starting point for hikers who want to explore the untamed and isolated Dolpo region. We begin our hike as soon as we get in Jhupal. We hike along a moderate track beside the Bheri River for the first portion of the walk, which is rather straightforward. We’ll pass through small towns and fields of wheat and barley. We’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the river on this well-maintained trail.
We will eventually arrive at Dunai village, the Dolpa district headquarters, after traveling for perhaps three to four hours. There are several facilities available to hikers in this area, including places to stay, places to eat, and shops. After checking into your accommodations and touring the town, we can spend the remainder of the day together.
We descend through the streets of Dunai and cross the Bheri River Bridge. After there, we follow the northern bank of the river until we reach Sulighat, at which point we head north to the checkpoint leading into Shey Phoksundo National Park. Kageni is reached along a route lined with boulders and a stand of hemp trees. After that, you can start to notice traces of Tibetan culture as the road continues through a tropical forest of maple and walnut trees. We are surrounded by images of cascading waterfalls, beautiful vegetation, and praying flags flapping en route to Shyanta hamlet. It takes an additional hour and a half to reach the 8,760-foot village of Chhepka along the difficult trail.
Trekking through charming valleys, small villages, and breathtaking alpine woods will take you from Chhekpa to the Jharana Hotel. Along the way, you will be able to see some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas. We get the chance to recover after reaching the Jharana Hotel, a popular stop for hikers traveling to Phoksundo Lake. The hotel’s close proximity to a waterfall adds to its natural beauty and charm.
We will pass through birch forests on our ascent to Ringmo, which is 11,350 feet above sea level. We will also come to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo River. After going over a bridge, continue north on the path until we get to Phoksundo Lake and the ranger station. At the end of our trek along the gorge of the Phoksundo River, we will emerge onto the meadows of Ringmo, a Tibetan Bon settlement, home to yaks. There, we’ll stay the night.
Today’s schedule includes a visit to the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake and its environs. We spend some time around Ringmo hamlet before leaving for Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery perched on a ridge with a view of the lake. Then we head towards the lake, descending the sheer cliffs. Buddhists and Bonpo followers regard Phoksundo Lake highly because they believe it to contain a submerged palace and a tantric mandala of spirits. The lake is well-known for its stunning scenery and vivid blue color. There are many beautiful glaciers around and above the lake area.
We will travel back to Chhepka on this particular day. We will follow a creek that emerges from a lake on our journey to Sulighad. We will climb through fir and larch forests alongside the Sulighat river till we reach Chhepka, via Renje hamlet en route.
We take the same path back to Juphal that we took on our ascent today.
We will take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then again from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu, where we will be taken to our hotel. You are free to explore the area or relax at the hotel throughout the afternoon.
Today marks the end of our amazing journey in western Nepal, which included the Phoksundo Lake hike. Three hours prior to your scheduled flight, an agent from the company will come to your hotel and take you to the airport.